Chapter 106 -101: Obtaining the Treasure Fish, Breaking Realm (10,000 words, please subscribe)
Chapter 106 -101: Obtaining the Treasure Fish, Breaking Realm (10,000 words, please subscribe)
The next morning in Xiantao Town, the sound of gongs filled the air, and festive music played everywhere.
At the entrance to the Yu Familyâs gambling den, lanterns were hung and continuous rows of banquet tables, over a hundred in total, were set up.
Yu Biao stood at the entrance, smiling and bowing politely to the guests, greeting everyone warmly.
A four-hundred-pound wild boar, carried on poles, was displayed nearby.
Its massive body, strong tusks, and thick fur, resembling armor, fully displayed the terror of the beast.
At the same time, everyoneâs expression toward Yu Biao turned respectful.
Although he was a scoundrel, he wielded power and authority, and thus, the townspeople had to respect him, even look up to him.
Indeed, because he was a scoundrel, people in town did not dare underestimate or offend him.
Gentlemen could be bullied, but not villainsâvillains hold grudges. Offend him, and you would never live in peace.
Thus, several prominent families in town brought very valuable gifts, their flattering words came free of charge.
Yu Biao simply accepted them with a smile.
Just as he was receiving guests, suddenly a voice rang out not far away, âFishery Manager, Wu Zhong has arrived!â
Hearing this voice, the attendees all looked in that direction.
Another significant figure of Xiantao Town had arrived.
Wu Zhong was in reasonably good health today, though his face was somewhat pale. He was followed by three people: Wu Hong, Chen Jie, and Second Ship Leader Li Sanding.
As the four men arrived, Yu Biaoâs mouth curved slightly upward.
A bunch of frail and sickâthe audacity to show up.
However, his expression quickly changed to a smile as he went forward, âHahaha, Brother Wu, what an honor to have you here, I should have met you earlier! Please, take a seat.â
Wu Zhong also responded with a fake smile, âBrother Yu is too kind. Hope Iâm not late?â
âNo, no, just in time.â
Having said that, he turned to Wu Zhong, âOh dear, Brother Wu, you look quite pale today. Whatâs happened?â
Wu Zhong replied with a smile, âItâs nothing, just a minor injury. You wouldnât know.â
âOh dear, how would I know? If I had known, I definitely would have visited you, Brother Wu. Weâve been friends for so many years.â
Wu Zhong also smiled, âYes, indeed. Many years!â
Yu Biao glanced at the onlookers and continued, âBrother Wu, with your injury, what will we do? The Land Officer Competition is in a few days, and we are to compete in Martial Arts. With you injured, what shall I do without an opponent?â
âWhat a pity, what a pity.â
The first âpityâ was directed at Wu Zhong, the latter at the crowd.
Everyone echoed in agreement, and Yu Biao laughed proudly.
Seeing Yu Biao so pleased with himself, Li Sanding couldnât hold back, angrily said, âManager Yu, so pleased with yourselfâcould it be you think the Fishing Guild has no one else? Manager Wu may be injured, but we ship captains can take his place, and we wonât disappoint you.â
âOh, haha⊠So, Brother Li, are you saying you intend to fight in the Land Officer Competition?â
âIf the guild requires it, I shall not shirk my responsibility!â
Li Sanding declared, Yu Biao nodded, âIndeed, Brother Li, youâve been the Second Ship Leader for many years; itâs about time for a promotion.â
âYouâŠâ
Li Sanding, his true intentions exposed, suddenly grew furious.
Following this, Yu Biaoâs gaze swept past Wu Hong and settled on Chen Jie, his eyes narrowing slightly.
âJiu Si, Chen Jiusi.â
Chen Jie immediately bowed with his hands clasped, âManager Yu.â
Yu Biao smiled, âI know you. My no-good son mentioned you before he passed; he said you were an interesting person.â
âItâs my honor to be remembered by Young Master Yu.â
Chen Jie humbly replied. Yu Biao, after hearing this, said nothing but remarked, âMy son said you were a hero of the youth, and he deeply regretted not fighting you. It seems, Jiu Si, you also excel in Martial Arts!â
âIâve learned a few moves from Brother Hong, but I wouldnât say Iâm an expert.â
âIs that so?â
âIt is.â
Chen Jie replied to Yu Biao, who then stared at Chen Jie like a smiling tiger.
Seeing this, Wu Hong slightly frowned and intercepted Yu Biaoâs gaze, âUncle Yu, I heard you took down a wild boar and are hosting this wild boar banquet; I came uninvited, I hope thatâs welcome?â
Yu Biao, noticing Wu Hong blocking Chen Jiusi, looked slightly dissatisfied but quickly smiled.
âWu Hong, Iâm happy you could come, how could I not welcome you?â
âCome, this way please!â
Yu Biao led the group to their seats, his enthusiasm overflowing.
This kind of superficial politeness was something he was very willing to accept. Both the Fishing Guild and Guild Cao were under the courtâs supervision to manage the locales, preventing uprisings, hence the main theme was harmony.
The guilds could have their open and secret conflicts, but they must abide by the rules.
For example, in the Land Officer Competition three days later, according to the old rules of Jianghu, both sides could bring a hundred men armed with knives and hack at each other, and whoever won would take over Xiantao.
But not anymore, only a formal challenge by leaders was allowed now.
This controlled casualties to a minimum.
After all, disciples of both Guild Cao and the Fishing Guild were technically contract workers of the court. In case of a local rebellion with rebels, they were needed to assist in quelling itâsupplying manpower and potentially sacrificing lives.
Therefore, the court also didnât want them to lose too many people on the local levelâthese were the cannon fodders in suppressing uprisings.
They needed to be conserved!
So, unlike before when guilds would fight to the death for a township or a dock calling upon hundreds of people, now they strive for harmony.
The leaders of both guilds have emphasized more than once that the two guilds were brother guilds and should maintain harmony and avoid bloodshed!
From top to bottom, this led to people also starting to show fake courtesy and fake harmony publicly, performing the roles of respectful brothers and obedient subordinates.